Chapter 33: The Voice She Found

Before going to prepare the tea, Poornima stopped.

Her eyes fell on her parents.

They were sitting there, the tension from earlier still hanging in the air.

For a second, she stood still.

Then she walked toward them.

Calm.

Steady.

Not hesitant anymore.

“I will work,” she said.

Her voice was soft…

But firm.

“In my husband’s company.”

Riya looked at her, surprised at the clarity in her tone.

Poornima continued, “Mom… if you keep doing this…”

She paused, gathering herself.

“Me, Veeresh, Lakshmi Ma and Raju Papa… we will leave for his penthouse.”

Silence filled the room instantly.

Her words landed.

Not loudly.

But deeply.

“If you don’t want us to leave,” she added, her voice still controlled, “please don’t make him angry.”

Her eyes softened slightly.

“He has migraine.”

That one line changed something.

It wasn’t just about her anymore.

It was about him too.

About protecting him.

About understanding him.

She didn’t wait for a reply.

She turned and walked to the kitchen.

Prepared the tea quietly.

Her hands didn’t shake.

Her mind didn’t wander.

For the first time…

She had said what she wanted.

When she stepped out with the tray, Lakshmi spoke.

“Yes, didi,” she said, looking at Riya, her tone calm but firm. “We will leave if you keep controlling her.”

Riya looked at her.

Lakshmi continued, “She is married now. She can decide.”

A pause.

“Let her do it.”

Raju nodded in agreement, his silence supporting every word.

Poornima stood there, holding the tray.

Not scared.

Not unsure.

Just… steady.

Because this time—

She hadn’t chosen between two sides.

She had chosen herself.

And him.